Customer Reviews

Sola Scriptura

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Like so many other Neal fans I have been anticipating this release for quite some time. I decided not to do a review until after listening to it for a solid week - about a dozen spins.


The Music

It's no secret that this is Neal's hardest, most aggressive album to date. Neal has a signature sound that is stamped on everything he does - so there are bits and pieces reminiscent of Transatlantic, Spock's Beard (especially Snow), and his previous solo recordings, namely Testimony, One, and ?
Although there are some emotionally moving moments on this disc (less than his previous solo work), I find it is not nearly as emotionally involving as Testimony. Perhaps this is because Testimony is far more personal. Sola Scriptura is historically based and therefore slightly detached from a more personal approach. Anyway, I find it to be more melancholy and sometimes ambivalent. That is not to say that I don't like this album, I am just trying to be fair and descriptive in my own words.
The musicianship is outstanding as one would expect. One thing I think could have made the album even better would be a much longer version of Randy's Jam.
Paul Gilbert does a good job as a guest guitarist and personally I think the guest guitarist should do more guitar work than is done here. Neal's playing is good, but there is just something extra when you add the chemistry of another player. Hopefully he will give more space to his guest guitar player on his next endeavor. Although Paul Gilbert's playing is good, it is also brief. Additionaly, I would have preferred another guitar player, like Kerry Livgren, or Phil Keaggy. I realize that they both have played on past projects, but it would be great to have them again.

The Message

Some reviewers have expressed their discontent with the subject matter thinking that Neal is Catholic bashing - but that is a mistake. Neal explicitly states that is not the case in the final liner notes. He adamantly expresses his desire to see the courage/conviction of Luther displayed in the church of today in order to bring reform/transformation where needed.
One of my favorite quotes from church history is when Martin Luther is faced with the possibility of losing his life for his belief in the sole authority of Scripture (which this album is all about) when he says "Here I stand, I can do no other." Neal uses these words in Heaven in My heart, but somehow it doesn't convey the impact I have always felt about this powerful statement of complete abandonment to the Word of God. Regardless of the problems with other aspects of Luther's theology and ethics (especially in regard to Jews), here is a point in history where one man's choice/courage made a significant difference in the direction of the church for centuries to come.
If you are a lover of progressive-rock, then his album is definitely a worthy contribution to your music library.

When I read advance reviews for Sola Scriptura, "controversial" was a term often attached to its description. Some may find it to be so because Morse throws down the spiritual gauntlet in an uncompromising way, but I don't find in it anything that should be a source of controversy with anyone except those for whom a robust expression of religious faith is anathema.
Personally, I like Sola Scriptura more everytime I hear it. It is a grand progressive rock epic in the best tradition of some of the finest prog of the 70s and is an album that I find tremendously satisfying, both spiritually and musically. It has unity of theme and a very logical musical progression. As I listen, I am often reminded of the greatest works of Procol Harum, particularly when I focus on the spectacular drum work of Mike Portnoy.
You don't have to be on Neal Morse's page spiritually to enjoy this. The songs are very well written and thought-provoking. Contrary to the assertions of several reviewers, there is no hate here at all. If you don't like hearing an explicitly Christian message, then tune out the lyrics and just enjoy the music.
In my opinion, Sola Scriptura is one of the top progressive albums of the year thus far. You get over 75 minutes of great music, and the CD comes with a booklet containing the lyrics. It is definitely the heaviest of the quartet of "Christian" solo albums Neal Morse has recorded since leaving Spock's Beard. I certainly look forward to his next effort. If you like good old-fashioned progressive rock, then ignore the critics and add this to your music library. Sola Scriptura will never be dated.

Being a Lutheran, this was an anticipated release by NM (The story of course built around the reformation of the church by Martin Luther). In short, this is an enjoyable listen. This is not what I call true progressive metal/rock, don't make the mistake of thinking so. I was a little misled when I heard Paul Gilbert (Guitar Shredder Great - Racer X) would be the guitarist on this release. He does play a great solo on one song, then another complete song, and finishes with an acoustic intro for yet another... but that is it. Neal Morse's guitar work isn't bad, but he's no PG. Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater is on the drums and does his usual fantastic work.
Like I mentioned, don't buy this expecting Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Symphony X or anything like it. It is more an ongoing softer Prog, not as complex, like Yes, Kansas and the like.
If you do enjoy talented musicianship and would like to hear a true story of one of the most important men alive since the apostles, then you will make a GREAT purchase.

T Moore

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

I was one of the lucky ones that had my copy signed by Neal Morse straight from the record company, and the bible versus above he wrote on the front cover (acts 20:29-31) along with his signature. These passages, along with his liner notes in the cd booklet sum up what the subject matter is, which is clearly detailing how the church "in the past" entered into a dark time, and how it was predicted by Jesus himself in the scriptures. This concerns the "whole" church, not just one denomination. The Catholic church being the largest and most prominent in the past (as it remains now)is simply the best example of the cds subject matter. To say that it is offending to one particular faith is like saying that snow is not white when it first falls to the ground. Do an internet search on google for "Sola Scriptura" and you will learn the history. Now on to the music. As other reviewers have said, this is simply a fantastic prog cd. It is far more progressive and driving than any of Neal's previous works even including Spock's Beard. It does have dark overtones for the first two thirds of the cd, but the last song "the conclusion" is as uplifting a song as Neal has ever penned. The addition of Paul Gilbert lends a metal feel of speed lead playing not heard on any previous cd's, and Mike Portnoy and Randy George are perfection on their instruments. As you listen to this release, there are many nods to the greats of prog music seasoned into the mix, Spock's Beard, Yes, Gentle Giant, and even a nod to 90's metal on the beginning of "The Conflict". Close your eyes and you will think you are listening to Soundgarden on the verse and then Alice in Chains on the chorus. Overall this is splendid release, yes a bit more direct in subject matter, but in a historical perspective (yes, the cd is about history)it serves a purpose, as any history of anything or anybody does. This cd is not hateful, or anti-anything..it is history. If you are wondering why the 4 stars and not 5, it is simply due to, as another reviewer stated, that some themes and ideas are repeated from previous works. That would be my only negative though. This is a quality release by an unheralded Contemporary Christian Rock artist. Get this release, it is very worth the investment.

First off, I have been a huge Neal Morse fan since 2000, and have remained a loyal fan, despite his obsession with solely writing lyrics that reflect his religious ideology. His first two solo records after leaving Spock's Beard and prog supergroup, Transatlantic, "Testimony" and "One," were both very good. Then, in 2005, he released a record, the "Question Mark" album, that was as good as anything he had done with Spock's Beard from a musical standpoint. The lyrics, however, continued to get more and more overtly religious.

Which brings us to his new album, "Sola Scriptura." First off, the subject matter is very controversial, as it is about Martin Luther, the German theologian, who made a name for himself in the 16th century with his radical teachings and anti-Semitic writings. The lyrics on "Sola Scriptura," in short, are almost an attack on what Morse considers "false religions"...and he is not shy about using strong words to convey his beliefs. I never thought I would hear the word 'w****' used multiple times on a Neal Morse record.

The lyrics would be easy to deal with if the music were up to his usual standards, but sadly, it is not. Morse's style has gotten more and more formulatic over the years, and he seems to have hit a brick wall. This album has three songs in the 20-30 minute range (plus a short ballad, which is rather mediocre), but none of them are cohesive, memorable, or well-flowing. Each song seems to contain random sections stitched together for the sake of having an epic. And the songs all just end. No huge build-up. No heavenly crescendos. They just end. Were these songs really written by the same guy who gave us classic epics like "At the End of the Day," "The Light," "Stranger in Your Soul (with the help of Roine Stolt and his other TA members)," and "The Doorway?"

I fear that Morse is so preoccupied with delivering his lyrical message that he is content with doing the same old, same old, when it comes to the music, but this Neal Morse fan is very disappointed with how formulatic and predictable his music has become. On a first listen, I could almost pick out the spots where the Gentle Giant-like harmonies were going to come in, or where a particular drum roll would be used, etc. I think you get my drift.

The playing, as always on a Neal Morse album, is outstanding. Morse's keyboard and acoustic guitar work is top-notch as always, and his electric guitar playing continues to get better. Guest star Paul Gilbert delivers some nice moments, bassist Randy George is solid as usual, and prog metal drummer Mike Portnoy gives his usual strong performance, but unfortunately, the music they are playing simply isn't up to the usual Neal Morse standards, if you ask me. The melodies that stick in your head for days are not there. There weren't any Neal Morse vocal moments that made me want to instantly rewind the cd to immediately listen to it again.

I gave this cd 3 stars for the simple reason that an average Neal Morse album is still better than a great majority of what is out there right now, but he can do better than this. And given his history of writing great music, I suspect he will.

Of recent years Gomez, Muse, Mercury Rev, Elbow, Coldplay, Evermore, The Flaming Lips (from "Soft Bulletin" (1999) onwards) and Green Day's American Idiot and My Chemical Romance's "Black Parade" have really excited me the most. (Previous to these recent years Kings X and Dream Theater "did it for me" in the 90's together with Spock's Beard and the Flower Kings in the late 90's. Marillion were "my 80's" band together with Simple Minds, Big Country, Waterboys and U2. My 70's favorites were largely Genesis, Rush and Jethro Tull.

Joining the recent years of "music that really excites me" is this latest release from Neal Morse (ex Spock's Beard).

I have just finished my third complete listening (mainly in the car to and from work ovet the last 2 weeks) and this is an absolutely cracking classical / hard rock masterpiece.

Four tracks, 76 minutes. Track One (The Door) is 29 minutes and my favourite (for me it has all the combined elements of Dream Theater's "Scenes from a memory plus Spock's Beard "V" and it just rocks with power / emotion and melody in abundance). Mike Portnoy's (Dream Theater) drumming is the best I have ever heard it totally over the top, just breathtaking.

Second Track (The Conflict) clocks in at 25:00 minutes and is the heaviest Neal Morse has ever sounded, again with so much emotion nd melody and variety (check it out at the 3:54 mark, it goes into a folky rock piece, then seemlessy back into a rock out piece, stunning). Fantastic track.

Third Track (Heaven in my heart) is a nice ballady type track (at a mere 5:00 minutes. A bit of a break in proceedings before the big finish...

Track Four the 16 minute (The Conclusion), my second favourite track on the CD, totally stunning musicianship throughout. Again it all rocks, it's complex yet delivered with emotion and melody.

All 'n' all Neal is in top form with his keyboard, guitar work and vocals. He can sing, for he has a great voice, just so emotional.

Mike Portnoy delivers, for me his best ever performance on drums, hands down... sublime.

Randy George is superb and easily hear on this CD, he sounds great!

Paul Gilbert (guest guitarist) on guitar adds a "heavyness" not heard before on a Neal Morse album and it just rocks. (Think Spock's Beard "The Great Nothing" combined with Dream Theater's "Fatal Tradgedy" mixed together producing something new), that's where it sits with me... a classic.

As I write this review and think of my favorite "Classical Rock Masterpiece" tracks that instantly come to mind (in terms of variety / complexity / originality / highest caliber musicianship) are ...

- Caravan, "For Richard" (live Version from "New Symphonia" 1974) (original 1970).
- Emerson Lake and Palmer, "Tarkus" (title track from "Tarkus" 1971)
- Yes, "Close to the Edge" - (title track from "Close to the Edge" 1972).
- Jethro Tull, "Thick as a Brick" (Live version from "Bursting Out" 1978) (Original 1972).
- Genesis, "Suppers Ready" (Live version from "Seconds Out" 1977) (Original 1972).
- Gentle Giant "Octopus" (Live version from "Playing the fool" 1976) (Original 1972).
- Mike Oldfield, "Tubular Bells", (Live Version on "Exposed" 1979) (Original 1973).
- Pink Floyd, "Darkside of the moon" (1973)
- Elton John, "Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding" (from "Goodbye Yellow brick road" 1973)
- Lynyrd Skynrd, "Free Bird" (Live version from "One more from the Road" 1976). (Original 1973).
- Rush "2112" (from 2112, 1976).
- ELO, "Concerto for a rainy day" (Side three of "Out of the Blue" (1977).
- Supertramp , "Fools Overture" (1977).
- Rush, "Cygnus X-1" from "Hemispheres" (1978).
- Tangerine Dream, "Tangram Part 1" (Title track from "Tangram" 1980).
- Alan Parsons Project, "Turn of a friendly Card" (Title track, all of side two (1980).
- Frankie goes to Hollywood, "Welcome to the pleasuredome"
(title track from "Welcome to the pleasuredome" 1984).
- Marillion, "Misplaced Childhood" from (1985).
- Queensryche "Operation Mindcrime" (Live version from 1991). (Original 1988).
- Jane's Addiction, "Three Days" from "Ritual de Habitual" (1991).
- Dream Theater "Learning to Live" from "Images and Words" (1992)
- Dream Theater, "Scenes from a Memory" from (1999).
- Spock Beard, "At the end of the day" from "V" (2000).
- Spock's Beard, "The Great Nothing" from "V" (2000).
- Tool, "The Grudge" from "Lateralus" (2001).
- Transatlantic, "All of the above" (Live version from 2001 in Europe). (Original 2000).
- Transatlantic, "Stranger in your soul" (Live version from 2001 in Europe). (Original 2001).
- Transatlantic, "Duel with the devil" (Live version from 2001 in Europe). (Original 2001).
- Flower Kings "The Truth will set you free" from "Behold the Future" (2002).
- Neal Morse "Testimony" from (2003).
- Green Day "Jesus of Suburbia" from "American Idiot (2004).

and joining this list today is ...
- Neal Morse "Sola Scripture" (2007).

If you enjoy any of the music listed above I hope you find time to give Sola Scriptura a listen and if you end up getting it I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

THE BAND: Neal Morse (vocals, keyboards, guitars), with Randy George (bass), and Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy (drums & percussion). Guest artist - Paul Gilbert (guitar).

THE DISC: (2007) 4 tracks clocking in at approximately 75 minutes. Included with the disc is a 10-page booklet containing song titles/credits/times, song lyrics, artwork relating to songs, and thank you's. 3 of the 4 songs (the long ones) are divided into 6 subsections. All music & lyrics written by Morse. Label - Metal Blade Records.

COMMENTS: The musicianship on "Sola Scriptura" is 2nd to none. So why am I vexed about this 4th solo release from Morse? His other solo albums "Testify", "One" and "?" (from 2003-2005) were all good as well, but for whatever reason I wasn't left with the distinct impression that I was being preached to in a Sunday morning church service. I'm old school about religion and I feel that mixing scriptural beliefs and music are somehow best left in the sanctuary. I have to keep reminding myself - Morse is a Christian artist first and foremost now... and this is a Christian rock album. As for the music on "Sola" - Morse's guitar/keyboard playing and vocal delivery are wonderful. I truly believe his guitar playing is underrated. He's an incredibly talented man and his elaborate music is so far beyond what so many band's are trying to create today. To date, his days with Spock's Beard are still my favorite - with incredible albums like "The Kindness Of Strangers" (1998), "V" (2000), and the amazing double concept album "Snow" (2002). Mike Portnoy's drumming, as always, is effortlessly superb. Whether Portnoy's playing in his regular band Dream Theater, or his various side projects (Transatlantic, Liquid Tension Experiment, OSI, Yellow Matter Custard, John Arch, or here with Morse), he remains one of the best progressive rock drummers working today. Paul Gilbert's appearance on the last section of track 1 ("Upon The Door"), and the 1st part of track 2 ("Do You Know My Name") absolutely shred. Also within track 2 is Gilbert's Spanish flamenco section ("Two Down, One To Go") ... simply beautiful. Not to mention, Gilbert adds a completely different dimension to the song - the light guitar with the jazzy piano is downright smooth. The highlight here for me is the 29-minute opener "The Door" - filled with brilliant heavy jams (guitar and keyboard leads) and light acoustic moments. The album cover is interesting - subject matter (knowing Morse's beliefs, that could be him sweeping the stone floor), simplicity, lighting/tone and layout. As for the lyrics (i.e. - "In the name of God you must die"; "To live with you forever, and feel the beauty of your truth, this is all I've asked for, to live a life that's pleasing to you"; "Oh God I seek the glory that's from you... please come & make me holy"; "In the name of God you must pay your penance"; "God took the Promised Land and put it in my bloodstained hand"; "God will make a way, He will decide my fate"; "I ask myself one question - what would Jesus do?"... and numerous mentions of Jesus, salvation & Heaven). For me, the holy message just don't mix with the progressive music. I'd never push my beliefs on anyone and I certainly don't want anyone else's pushed on me. The subject(s) here are heavy, personal and spiritual... and for some reason I guess I'm still looking for action and adventure. I also know I'm not spiritually on the same level as Morse (yet). I admire what Morse is doing here and I know he's a changed man in the devotional sense... but for me - great music, but his sermonic words just don't do it for me (4 stars).

The opening track is really good, it is one of these great prog tracks lasting nearly half an hour with a strong ending section. Overall, the cd is really great and the musicians are talented. My only complaint is for the lyrics, since I don't believe in any God, the message is a bit boring to me, but I respect Neil and his thinking as well as anybody who have faith, after all, he is a great composer and his music is just amazing, that's what it is all about !

Hi,

Great CD. Quite progressive overall (not in a metal sense because there are many styles in the CD, but more in a classic progressive way... long songs, complex music structures, complex rythms, changes, then repeating again a melody that you heard 15 minutes before... well, you know...), so maybe it is not for everybody's tastes (my wife couldn't stand it!) but for me, this is one of the best releases in the last years. Awesome vocal and instrumental parts, with melodies! And, probably, the most beautiful guitar solo in recent times by Paul Gilbert in "The Door"... yes, you have to wait 27 minutes for the solo... but the rest of the song is great too!

If you can stand a 30 minutes song, then this is definitively a CD for you. Neal Morse has an immense creativity.

Regards,
Fran

I must admit, I keep waiting for Neil and gang to put out a 'Dud'....one thing for sure, this Ain't It! Since discovering Neil as a member of the Beard, I have consistently been impressed and joyed over his ongoing musical productions.....from his first two "Pop" solo releases, all the way up to this wonderful disc----'Testimony' and 'One' are two of the best CD purchases I have made in the last Decade.....and I'm just talking about the musical content----the uplifting, positive nature of Neil's voice and lyrics are simply the 'icing on the cake'. It must be noted that I, along with many other reviewers, agree that Neil is not breaking any new ground with 'Sola', he just continues to make great 'Prog' style rock/Pop music that delights the senses.....IMO, nobody writes memorable hook-laden musical themes as well as he does....I love the way he revisits these themes throughout the songs of his albums. I won't go into the individual movements of the disc, however the 3 epic-style songs are what Neil has consistently excelled in....and 90% of it is pure Magic! The only short song on the disc, "Heaven in my Heart, though not a bad song by any means, simply pales next to the 'Grandness' of the longer songs. As for the musicians on 'SS', they (Mike and Randy) continue to perfect their craft with each new release.....the guest stars, most notably Paul Gilbert and long-time collaborator Chris Carmichael, really shine here too. The bottom line-----Chalk-up another Winner for Neil and the guys.....though a large task to top 'Testimony' and 'One', he has come as close as humanly possible.....I'll be waiting with anticipation for his next "Masterpiece". Enjoy this man's music while he is at a peak.

P.S. If you are a Neil fan (or prog-rock fan in general) and haven't seen his 'Testimony' DVD concert, I promise you won't be dissapointed!